Ergonomic Clothes Basket Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel ergonomic clothes basket device. The device is designed to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as well as carrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/232,217, which was filed on Aug. 12, 2021and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of laundry basketdevices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvedergonomic laundry basket device that provides users with an elevatedlaundry basket that prevents users from having to bend over to retrieveclothes or lift the basket. Accordingly, the present disclosure makesspecific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated thataspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to otherlike applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in laundrybaskets of the type which are used to store and transport largequantities of clean and soiled clothing or like articles from place toplace. Laundry baskets need to be strong and durable and capable ofbeing subjected to hard usage without injury. While traditional laundrybaskets are useful, they have a tendency to be cumbersome and weak.

Furthermore, conventional laundry baskets require a user to constantlybend down to pick the basket up off the floor and/or to retrieve clothesfrom the basket. Constantly bending down toward the basket can befrustrating, uncomfortable, and difficult for users with back and kneepain. Further, unnecessary stretching to the floor can cause injury,especially for the elderly and those with limited physical strength anddexterity.

Thus, it is necessary for users with injuries, limited physical strengthand dexterity, or elderly users to have a more ergonomically friendlylaundry basket. Generally, laundry can be a time-consuming process thatmany users perform via constantly bending down toward the basket toretrieve clothes. However, users need to routinely store and transportdirty and clean clothes. Therefore, users require a laundry basketdevice that easily allows them to do laundry without unnecessarystretching to the floor.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomicclothes basket device that provides users with an elevated laundrybasket that prevents users from having to bend over to ground level toretrieve clothes or lift the basket. There is also a long-felt need inthe art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that eliminates the needfor users to have to constantly bend down to pick up the basket orretrieve clothes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for anergonomic laundry basket device that features two baskets attachedtogether at the bases to fully elevate the upper basket to a heightreachable while standing. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the artfor a device that ensures users can avoid aches and pains in the backand knees while doing laundry. Further, there is a long-felt need in theart for an ergonomic laundry basket device that saves time and effortwhen transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. Finally,there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic clothes basketdevice that prevents users from unnecessary stretching to the floorwhich can cause injuries.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises an ergonomic clothes basket device. The device isdesigned to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and fromthe washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attachedtogether at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a heightreachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from theelevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the devicecomprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as well ascarrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport.

In this manner, the ergonomic clothes basket device of the presentinvention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and providesusers with a device that prevents users from having to bend over toground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. The device allows auser to avoid aches and pains in the back and knees while doing laundry.The device saves time and effort when transporting clothes to and fromthe washer and dryer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises an ergonomic clothes basket device. The device isdesigned to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and fromthe washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attachedtogether at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a heightreachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from theelevated basket without having to bend over.

In one embodiment, the device comprises two clothes baskets attachedtogether. Each clothes basket comprises two sets of opposing side walls,a bottom base component, and an open top which forms a receptacle. Eachbasket can be approximately between 30-35 inches in height, preferablyapproximately 32 inches in height, and approximately between 20-28inches in width, preferably approximately 24 inches in width. Typically,both baskets are the same height and size, but do not need to be; Insome embodiments, the baskets comprise differing heights and sizes.

In one embodiment, the clothes baskets are round in shape, but can beany suitable shape as is known in the art, such as square, rectangular,C-shaped, oval, etc. Typically, both baskets are the same shape, but donot need to be, in some embodiments, the baskets comprise differingshapes. For example, in one embodiment, the top clothes basket is roundand the bottom clothes basket is square.

In one embodiment, the two sets of opposing side walls can be solid ormostly solid. In another embodiment, the two sets of opposing side wallscomprise an array or a plurality of ventilation holes. In yet anotherembodiment, only one set of opposing side walls comprise a plurality ofventilation holes. Any number of ventilation holes can be utilized andthe ventilation holes can be any shape and size as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device is an integral,one-piece component. In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basketdevice comprises two independent clothes baskets secured together viatheir bases by screws, glue, bolts, etc. If secured together, the twoindependent clothes baskets can be unsecured for shipping and storagepurposes.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises a lidto keep clothes secure in the basket device. The lid would be the sameshape and size as the open top of the clothes basket. The lid would besecured to the clothes basket via a hinge, a strap, etc., or any othersuitable connecting means that allows the lid to be open and closed. Thelid would typically be manufactured of the same material as the clothesbaskets, but doesn't need to be, and in some embodiments, the lid can bemanufactured from different material than the clothes baskets.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises a pairof handles. The handles are secured to one set of opposing sides of eachof the clothes baskets. The handles are mounted on each side for easytransport of the clothes basket. The handles can also comprise atextured grip, finger grooves, or other tactile components to aid a userin gripping and carrying the ergonomic clothes basket device. In oneembodiment, a pair of handles can be secured to both sets of opposingsides of each of the clothes baskets.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device is manufacturedfrom heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene oracylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), etc. In yet another embodiment,the ergonomic clothes basket device is manufactured from a material thatis water resistant.

In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises aplurality of indicia on the clothes baskets.

In yet another embodiment, a method of elevating a laundry basket toprevent users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieveclothes or lift the basket is described. The method includes the stepsof providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothes basketsattached together at the base. The method also comprises positioning theelevated laundry basket on the ground, such that the user can retrieveclothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further,the method comprises placing a lid on the elevated clothes basket tokeep clothes secure within the basket. Finally, utilizing the carryinghandles mounted on the side to transport the elevated basket.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an ergonomic clothesbasket device is disclosed to save time and effort when transportingclothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises twoclothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upperbasket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieveclothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further,the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as wellas carrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading andunderstanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of theergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the lid of one potentialembodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pair of handles of onepotential embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of elevating a laundrybasket to prevent users from having to bend over to ground level toretrieve clothes or lift the basket in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user utilizing a prior artclothes basket in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of theergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention in use inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomicclothes basket device that provides users with an elevated laundrybasket that prevents users from having to bend over to ground level toretrieve clothes or lift the basket. There is also a long-felt need inthe art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that eliminates the needfor users to have to constantly bend down to pick up the basket orretrieve clothes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for anergonomic laundry basket device that features two baskets attachedtogether at the bases to fully elevate the upper basket to a heightreachable while standing. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the artfor a device that ensures users can avoid aches and pains in the backand knees while doing laundry. Further, there is a long-felt need in theart for an ergonomic laundry basket device that saves time and effortwhen transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. Finally,there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic clothes basketdevice that prevents users from unnecessary stretching to the floorwhich can cause injuries.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel ergonomicclothes basket device. The device is designed to save time and effortwhen transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The devicecomprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fullyelevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users caneasily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bendover. Further, the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in thebasket, as well as carrying handles mounted on each side for easytransport. The present invention also includes a novel method ofelevating a laundry basket to prevent users from having to bend over toground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. The method includesthe steps of providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothesbaskets attached together at the base. The method also comprisespositioning the elevated laundry basket on the ground, such that theuser can retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having tobend over. Further, the method comprises placing a lid on the elevatedclothes basket to keep clothes secure within the basket. Finally,utilizing the carrying handles mounted on the side to transport theelevated basket.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of thepresent invention. In the present embodiment, the ergonomic clothesbasket device 100 is an improved clothes basket device that saves users'time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer anddryer. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any suitable useras is known in the art, to easily retrieve clothes from a clothes basketor lift a clothes basket, all without bending over to ground level. Morespecifically, the device 100 comprises two clothes baskets attachedtogether at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a heightreachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from theelevated basket without having to bend over.

Further, the device 100 comprises two clothes baskets, a top basket 102and a bottom basket 104 secured together. Each clothes basket 102, 104comprises at least one side wall 106, a bottom base component 108, andan open top 110 which forms a receptacle. Additionally, if the clothesbasket 102, 104 is not round, but rather square or rectangular in shape,then the at least one side wall 106 comprises two sets of opposing sidewalls, a first set of opposing side walls 112 and a second set ofopposing side walls 114. Further, each basket 102, 104 can beapproximately between 30-35 inches in height, preferably approximately32 inches in height, and approximately between 20-28 inches in width,preferably approximately 24 inches in width. Typically, both baskets102, 104 are the same height and size, but do not need to be, in someembodiments, the baskets 102, 104 comprise differing heights and sizes.

In one embodiment, the clothes baskets 102, 104 are round in shape, butcan be any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as square,rectangular, C-shaped, oval, etc., depending on the needs and/or wantsof a user. Typically, both baskets 102, 104 are the same shape, but donot need to be. In some embodiments, the baskets 102, 104 comprisediffering shapes. For example, in one embodiment, the top clothes basket102 is round and the bottom clothes basket 104 is square.

In one embodiment, the two sets of opposing side walls 112, 114 can besolid or mostly solid. In another embodiment, the two sets of opposingside walls 112, 114 comprise an array or a plurality of ventilationholes 116. In yet another embodiment, only one set of opposing sidewalls 112 or 114 comprise a plurality of ventilation holes 116. Anynumber of ventilation holes 116 can be utilized and the ventilationholes 116 can be any shape and size as is known in the art. Typically,the ventilation holes 116 form a lattice structure allowing theergonomic clothes basket device 100 to be structurally sound but lightin weight and easy to transport.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 is anintegral, one-piece component. In another embodiment, the ergonomicclothes basket device 100 comprises two independent clothes baskets 102,104 secured together via their bases 108 by screws, glue, bolts, etc.,or any other suitable means as is known in the art. If secured together,the two independent clothes baskets 102, 104 can be unsecured forshipping and storage purposes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 comprises a lid 200to keep clothes 202 secure in the basket device 100. The lid 200 wouldbe the same shape and size as the open top 110 of the clothes basket102, 104. The lid 200 would be secured to the clothes basket 102 or 104via a hinge, a strap, etc., or any other suitable connecting means 204that allows the lid 200 to be opened and closed. The lid 200 wouldtypically be manufactured of the same material as the clothes baskets102, 104, but doesn't need to be, and in some embodiments, the lid 200can be manufactured from different material than the clothes baskets102, 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 comprises a pair ofhandles 300. The handles 300 are secured to one set of opposing sides112 or 114 of each of the clothes baskets 102 or 104. The handles 300are mounted on each side for easy transport of the clothes basket 102 or104. The handles 300 can also comprise a textured grip 302, fingergrooves, or other tactile components to aid a user 304 in gripping andcarrying the ergonomic clothes basket device 100. In one embodiment, apair of handles 300 can be secured to both sets of opposing sides 112and 114 of each of the clothes baskets 102 and 104.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 ismanufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such aspolypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any othersuitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to,acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, low densitypolyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene,polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylacticacid, etc. Generally, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 is alsomanufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable,or comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.

In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 mayinclude advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, orcharacters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the clothesbaskets 102, 104, or any other indicia 306 as is known in the art.Specifically, any suitable indicia 306 as is known in the art can beincluded, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images,symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements,brands, etc., that may or may not be laundry or brand related.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of the method of elevating a laundrybasket to prevent users from having to bend over to ground level toretrieve clothes or lift the basket. The method includes the steps of at400, providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothes basketsattached together at the base. The method also comprises at 402,positioning the elevated laundry basket on the ground, such that theuser can retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having tobend over. Further, the method comprises, at 404, placing a lid on theelevated clothes basket to keep clothes secure within the basket.Finally, at 406, utilizing the carrying handles mounted on the side totransport the elevated basket.

FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art clothes basket 504 in use and FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the ergonomicclothes basket device 100 of the present invention in use. Prior artclothes baskets 504 require a user 304 to constantly bend down to pickup the basket 504 or to pick clothes 202 from the basket 504, causingunnecessary stretching to the floor, which can cause injuries. However,the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of present invention saves timeand effort when transporting clothes 202 to and from the washer 500 anddryer 502. The device comprises two clothes baskets 102 and 104 attachedtogether at the base 108 to fully elevate the upper basket 102 to aheight reachable while standing. Users 304 can easily retrieve clothes202 from the elevated basket 102 without having to bend over. Further,the device 100 comprises a lid 200 to keep clothes 202 secure in thebasket 102 or 104, as well as carrying handles 300 mounted on each side112 or 114 for easy transport.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “ergonomic clothes basket device”,“clothes basket device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer tothe ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configurationas is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of theinvention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives.One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ergonomicclothes basket device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrativepurposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the ergonomicclothes basket device 100 are well within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Although the dimensions of the ergonomic clothes basketdevice 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, theergonomic clothes basket device 100 may be of any size that ensuresoptimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/orpreferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ergonomic clothes basket device that saves auser time and effort when transporting a plurality of clothes to andfrom a washer and dryer, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprising:a top clothes basket; and a bottom clothes basket; wherein the topclothes basket and the bottom clothes basket each comprise at least oneside wall, a bottom base component, and an open top to form areceptacle; wherein the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basketare attached together at the bottom base components to elevate the topclothes basket to a height more easily reachable by the user whilestanding; and wherein the user can easily retrieve the plurality ofclothes from the top clothes basket without having to bend over.
 2. Theergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1, wherein each of the topclothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is rectangular in shape. 3.The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 2, wherein each of the topclothes basket and the bottom clothes basket comprises a first set ofopposing side walls and a second set of opposing side walls.
 4. Theergonomic clothes basket device of claim 3, wherein the top clothesbasket and the bottom clothes basket is approximately 32 inches inheight.
 5. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 4, wherein eachof the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is approximately24 inches in width.
 6. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1,wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket isa select one of a round shape, an oval shape, a square shape, arectangular shape, or a generally C-shape.
 7. The ergonomic clothesbasket device of claim 1, wherein the at least one side wall comprises aplurality of ventilation holes.
 8. The ergonomic clothes basket deviceof claim 1, wherein the ergonomic clothes basket device is an integral,one-piece component.
 9. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1,wherein the top clothes basket is secured to the bottom clothes basketvia a plurality of fasteners.
 10. The ergonomic clothes basket device ofclaim 9, wherein the top clothes basket can be removed from the bottomclothes basket for convenient shipping and storage.
 11. The ergonomicclothes basket device of claim 1 further comprising a lid secured to thetop clothes basket.
 12. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1further comprising a pair of handles secured to the at least one sidewall.
 13. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 12, wherein thepair of handles comprises a textured grip.
 14. The ergonomic clothesbasket device of claim 1 wherein each of the top clothes basket and thebottom clothes basket comprise an indicia.
 15. An ergonomic clothesbasket device that saves a user time and effort when transporting aplurality of clothes to and from a washer and dryer, the ergonomicclothes basket device comprising: a top clothes basket; and a bottomclothes basket; wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottomclothes basket is rectangular in shape and comprises a first set ofopposing side walls and a second set of opposing side walls, a bottombase component, and an open top to form a receptacle; wherein the firstset of opposing side walls and the second set of opposing side wallscomprise a plurality of ventilation holes; wherein the top clothesbasket and the bottom clothes basket are attached together at the bottombase components via a plurality of fasteners to elevate the top clothesbasket to a height reachable by the user while standing; wherein the topclothes basket can be removed from the bottom clothes basket forshipping and storage; and wherein the user can easily retrieve theplurality of clothes from the top clothes basket without having to bendover.
 16. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 15 furthercomprising a lid secured to the top clothes basket.
 17. The ergonomicclothes basket device of claim 15 further comprising a pair of handlessecured to the first set of opposing side walls.
 18. The ergonomicclothes basket device of claim 17, wherein the pair of handles comprisesa textured grip.
 19. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 15,wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basketcomprise an indicia.
 20. A method of elevating a laundry basket toprevent a user from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve aplurality of clothes or lift the laundry basket, the method comprisingthe steps of: providing an elevated clothes basket comprising twoclothes baskets attached together at a common base; positioning theelevated laundry basket on the ground, such that the user can retrievethe plurality of clothes from the elevated clothes basket without havingto bend over; placing a lid on the elevated clothes basket to keep theplurality of clothes secure within the elevated clothes basket; andutilizing a pair of carrying handles mounted on a side of the elevatedclothes basket to transport the elevated clothes basket.